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How technology can help prevent incidents like Delhi gang-rape

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Supriya Rai
New Update

BANGALORE, INDIA: A shocking incident has surfaced this week, which has shamed the entire nation. A 23-year-old medical student was hit with an iron rod and raped on a moving bus in New Delhi. The incident has lead to public outcry and stirred everyone's soul across the country.

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People all over India, including celebrities, have condemned the incident and are expressing their rage on social media. ‘'On this public platform I dare not even attempt to mention the details of the rape case. Even an animal would not behave so!!'' tweeted actor Amitabh Bachchan who echoes the sentiments of thousands of people.

Protests are being conducted across major cities in India and more protests are being called for using Twitter as the medium. ‘'If you seriously want to do something & are committed to not let#DelhiRape go just as a story be at Lodhi Garden, 2.30 PM on Thurs Dec 20'' says one such tweet.

Anger, grief and outrage spreads as the 23-year-old victim continues to battle for life in a Delhi hospital. Hoping that she recovers soon, women now want to ensure that such an incident does not take place again. Let us take a look at technology that can be deployed to avoid/prevent/fight such incidents.

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1. CCTV cameras: CCTV cameras could compulsorily be setup in public transport vehicles. After this incident, Delhi government is considering installing CCTV cameras inside the buses to ensure safety of women passengers, say media reports.

2. GPS on all buses: Global Positioning System (GPS) can help monitor the movement of public transport vehicles from a control room. This system has already been proposed for buses operating in Mumbai, hence it could be implemented in the rest of the country as well.

3. Download apps that can contact multiple people at a time: There are few apps on Google Play and Apple App Store that have been developed to prevent abuse. For example, an app called ‘Circle of 6' lets users choose six trusted friends to add to their circle. If one gets into an uncomfortable or risky situation, 'Circle of 6' sends their circle a pre-programmed SMS alert message, with their exact location. All it needs users to do is tap on their mobile phone twice.

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4. Consider owning a taser/stun gun: Not many people know about these devices. The taser or stun gun is an incapacitating weapon that momentarily disables a person with an electric shock. The shock is not strong enough to kill a person but does give victims enough time to get away from the attackers. However, it is not commonly available in India, which is why women have resorted to using Pepper Spray instead. To know more about the taser/stun gun, click here.

5. Store the police emergency number on your speed dial: Women could save the police emergency number (100) on their speed dial so that they can immediately call the police when things go wrong. Also, when suspicious of the intentions of a stranger, women should immediately call the nearest police station.

So, under such terrible circumstances, the above mentioned points may ensure the safety of women to a certain extent. However, What do you have to say about this incident? What must the Indian Government do to curb such shameful acts? Do let us know.

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